Business Visitor Visa - Short-term business trips to New Zealand
You can travel to New Zealand on a business visitor visa to conduct business in the country. Below we'll look at the requirements for visitors from visa waiver countries as well as the criteria for travellers from countries who do not qualify for a visa waiver.
Traveling to New Zealand on business from a visa waiver country
Citizens from certain countries are exempt from applying for a business visitor visa before traveling to New Zealand. You can view these countries here.
Even if you do not require a business visitor visa before you travel, please bear in mind you still have to be admitted into New Zealand. Think of it as applying on arrival. Therefore, it is common sense to ensure you have with you all the documents required by those travelers from a non visa waiver country as detailed below.
Traveling to New Zealand on business from a non visa waiver country
If you do not come from a visa waiver country, you will be required to apply and obtain a business visitor visa before your arrival in New Zealand.
Do you have questions about the business visitor visa?
Requirements for a business visitor visa application.
Who can be included on the application
The applicant (person traveling on business) along with their partner and dependent children may apply.
How to apply
Applications can be made online. Please note that if family are to be included, this must be a physical (paper) application.
How long is the business visitor visa valid?
It can be issued for up to 3 months. The exception to this rule is for British citizens who may apply for a 6 month period.
Multiple entry business visitor visa
If you plan on traveling in and out of New Zealand on a regular basis, your application will need to be for a multiple entry business visitor visa.
Proof of onward travel
Unless your visa label or letter says 'Return/onward travel not required', you must have either of the following:
- A travel ticket to a country you can enter.
- An acceptable sponsor who can pay for your travel ticket out of New Zealand to a country you can enter.
Funds
You must be able to demonstrate you have sufficient funds for your time in New Zealand. Please note travelers from a visa waiver country may well be asked for this on arrival. It is thus advisable to ensure you have such proof with you, even if you are from a visa waiver country.
Working
Note that the business visitor visa should not be confused with a work visa. The business visitor visa does not entitle you to work. It simply allows you to carry out the business that the visa was granted for.
If you have to work in New Zealand please see the options here for work visas.
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